By David Dawson
Baptist and Reflector
ddawson@tnbaptist.org
FRANKLIN — Although they operate on different platforms in the communications realm, the Baptist and Reflector and the Bott Radio Network share the same goal: Promoting the good news of Jesus.
The two have recently joined forces, forming a partnership that will serve both parties in reaching that objective.
“We are very excited about working alongside the Bott Radio Network,” said Lonnie Wilkey, editor of the Baptist and Reflector. “We are always looking for new and different platforms to share our stories, and I believe this partnership will open doors for us to do that.”
The Bott Radio Network has more than 100 stations across the nation and reaches more than 51 million people. The B&R has served as the news journal for Tennessee Baptists since 1835, and is among the nation’s longest-running newspapers.
In recent weeks, the Bott Radio Network has been airing a series of “Mission Moments” radio spots that recap some of the stories from the B&R and promote the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
“The Missions Moments are a great opportunity for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board,” said TBMB communications director Chris Turner. “We have an opportunity every week to report through the Baptist and Reflector how God is bringing people to saving faith. He is active and He is working through Tennessee Baptists. People need to hear our state is a mission field, and that a spiritual harvest is being reaped. Hopefully these radio spots will encourage listeners to get in on the action and reach their friends and neighbors for Christ.”
Todd Payne, general manager for Bott Radio Network in Memphis, agrees that the partnership is a natural fit.
“Bott Radio Network is thankful to God and extremely excited about our partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and the Baptist and Reflector,” said Payne. “The Baptist and Reflector does a wonderful job telling the story of God’s grace and His work through Tennessee Baptists.”
“Bott Radio is excited to share these stories with our listeners throughout Middle and West Tennessee,” he added. “We are also appreciative of the opportunity to let the readers of B&R know where they can access quality Bible teaching, Christian news and information programming — on the air, online and on the go.”
The Bott Radio Network features Bible teachings from Chuck Swindoll, J. Vernon McGee, Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, James Kennedy, Adrian Rogers, Chip Ingram and Dick Bott’s “The Complete Story.” The Bott Radio Network has stations in Arkansas, Calif., Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Ky., Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, S.D., Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.